Show ContentsTorian History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Torian family

The surname Torian was first found in Stirlingshire. The name is a habitation name from either East Kilbride or north of Glasgow where it is derived from the Gaelic word "torran" which means "hillock" or "mound" or "little hills." 1

"John Torrance is recorded in Nethir Cloychtquharne in 1555, and John Torrance was a tenant of Newbattle Abbey in 1563. The name also occurs in Edinburgh in 1561 as Torrens. David Torrance (1840-1906), Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Connecticut, U. S., was born in Edinburgh." 2

Early History of the Torian family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Torian research. Another 132 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1563, 1690, 1780, 1864 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Torian History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Torian Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Torrance, Torrens, Torrence and others.

Early Notables of the Torian family

More information is included under the topic Early Torian Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Torian Ranking

In the United States, the name Torian is the 17,949th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 3

Ireland Migration of the Torian family to Ireland

Some of the Torian family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 123 words (9 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Torian family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: John Torrence arrived in Philadelphia in 1828; followed by James in 1868; Adam Torrens settled in Philadelphia in 1828; Aaron in 1823; Alexander in 1848.


Contemporary Notables of the name Torian (post 1700) +

  • Reggie Torian (b. 1975), American silver medalist hurdler at the 1999 World Indoor Championships
  • Dr. Luke E. Torian (b. 1958), American politician, Member of the Virginia House of Delegates (2010-)
  • Luke E. Torian, American Democratic Party politician, Member of Virginia State House of Delegates 52nd District; Elected 2011 4


  1. Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
  2. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  3. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  4. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 12) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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